A question about the Preparing packages....

[kayrenee]

Okay, I'm seeing the Economy package, which I understand is necessary.

Then there's the science package, which I'd also think is necessary.

Then there's the Basic package, and two separate "Self-Study" packages. Can someone explain these to me? Are these books included in the lesson plans in the TM?

Just trying to figure out exactly what I'd need to order to do this with a 4th grader and 7th grader.

Thanks!

[Carrie]

Donna,

You caught me on the board today, so I'll just answer this for you! You're right that you'll need the Economy Package and the Science Adder.

The Basic Package is a set of read-alouds that are scheduled for you by page number to read-aloud to your kiddos each day. While the Economy Package history readings are mainly factual, the Basic Package readings are historical fiction. These give the panoramic view to the various historical time periods.

The Deluxe Package contains independent readings for your 3th or 4th grader. These are scheduled in the daily plans in the bottom box on the left side of each day of plans. The Extension Package is for older, more independent readers to do independently, following the schedule in the Appendix of Preparing.

Blessings,
Carrie

[kayrenee]

Thank you, Carrie! That's very helpful.

[smithdonnajo]

Hi!
I have been studying your catalog and have read most everything on your website! It all looks marvelous.

I am considering using Preparing for my 11yo son (will be 12 in Dec). He reads and comprehends very well, enjoys reading, devours many books, narrates well, but we haven't done much written narrations at all. Looks like Preparing will help us in that area.

I'm trying to figure out how to order.
I understand everything except: #3 DITHR, #7 Basic Pkg (read-alouds), #8 Deluxe Pkg (for independent reading for 3rd/4th grade), and #9 Extension Pkg (for independent reading for mid-fifth to upper 7th) and how these possibly relate to one another.

Since my son is 5th grade, would I need all of the above? I am trying to economize and am wondering what is the order of importance of the above mentioned packages.
Do I need #3 and #7? Do I need #8 and #9 or just one or the other? and if only need one, which would you advise? I was thinking #9 since he is 11.
Can I have him use the books from Basic Pkg with DITHR? or use the books from #7 or #8 or #9 with DITHR?

Also, I'm trying to determine which level he would need for DITHR.

Thanks for your help!

Donna Jo

[my3sons]

Hi!
I have been studying your catalog and have read most everything on your website! It all looks marvelous.

I am considering using Preparing for my 11yo son (will be 12 in Dec). He reads and comprehends very well, enjoys reading, devours many books, narrates well, but we haven't done much written narrations at all. Looks like Preparing will help us in that area.

I'm trying to figure out how to order.
I understand everything except: #3 DITHR, #7 Basic Pkg (read-alouds), #8 Deluxe Pkg (for independent reading for 3rd/4th grade), and #9 Extension Pkg (for independent reading for mid-fifth to upper 7th) and how these possibly relate to one another.

Since my son is 5th grade, would I need all of the above? I am trying to economize and am wondering what is the order of importance of the above mentioned packages.
Do I need #3 and #7? Do I need #8 and #9 or just one or the other? and if only need one, which would you advise? I was thinking #9 since he is 11.
Can I have him use the books from Basic Pkg with DITHR? or use the books from #7 or #8 or #9 with DITHR?

Also, I'm trying to determine which level he would need for DITHR.

Thanks for your help!

Donna Jo

Hi Donna! First, I just wanted to be sure you saw the placement chart, as that is super helpful in accurately placing dc:
http://www.heartofdakota.com/placing-your-child.php

Now, for your questions about PHFHG...
You do need #3. DITHR will be your ds's reading instruction. As he is a fifth grader and a good reader, I'd place him in the 4/5 level, which means you'll want the DITHR 4/5 Set. You can use your own books or the HOD book sets. We've loved the HOD book selections, so whether you get them from HOD or the library, I think they're wonderful. Since DITHR is planned 3 days a week, you could just get half of the books, as you'll only get through 4-5 of the genres. Or, you can choose your own books otherwise, perhaps from what you have on hand already and save some that way.

I do think you'd want #7. These are the read-alouds, and they really bring history to life. They're outstanding, and so are the follow-up discussions.

You'd get either #8 or #9, but not both. This will be his independent reading for history and all of the Independent History plans go with them.

I wouldn't use the Basic Package or #7, #8, or #9 with DITHR, as the genres won't be covered then, and it could be overkill doing several lessons all of the time with one book.

So, I'd say you definitely want DITHR with either half an HOD book pack or books of your own, also #7 and either #8 or #9. I hope that makes sense! Of course this is completely up to you. Some ladies buy them in batches, getting the first half of the year's books first, and then buying the second half of the year's books, if that would be helpful - we could help you figure that out. I do understand trying to cut corners, but I don't want your ds to be missing things he needs either. HTH!!! I think you and your ds would love PHFHG - it is such an amazing journey through time, with Christ kept at the center!

In Christ,
Julie

[smithdonnajo]

Hi Julie,
Thanks for your reply! I did look at the placement chart, and I think I could have gone with CTC, but I chose preparing because he is not good with writing.... yet, is still learning cursive, has trouble writing longer passages. Plus, he and I need some help getting him to be more independent. I hope I made the right decision on going with Preparing....

As far as placement with DITHR, I was thinking of the 4/5 level books, but with the 2/3 workbook because of his aversion to writing very much.... does that sound like a good idea, or not??? Thanks for you advice.

Concerning pkg #8 and #9.... I think I had it figured out that the #8 books are scheduled in the guide in the Independent History box with self-study plans in the guide (left side, bottom of the page). Can you tell me if the #9 books are scheduled in the guide along with independent assignments (self-study plans) scheduled and laid out for me? I don't have the TG yet, it's in the mail!

Thanks,
Donna Jo

[my3sons]

Hi Julie,
Thanks for your reply! I did look at the placement chart, and I think I could have gone with CTC, but I chose preparing because he is not good with writing.... yet, is still learning cursive, has trouble writing longer passages. Plus, he and I need some help getting him to be more independent. I hope I made the right decision on going with Preparing....

As far as placement with DITHR, I was thinking of the 4/5 level books, but with the 2/3 workbook because of his aversion to writing very much.... does that sound like a good idea, or not??? Thanks for you advice.

Concerning pkg #8 and #9.... I think I had it figured out that the #8 books are scheduled in the guide in the Independent History box with self-study plans in the guide (left side, bottom of the page). Can you tell me if the #9 books are scheduled in the guide along with independent assignments (self-study plans) scheduled and laid out for me? I don't have the TG yet, it's in the mail!

Thanks,
Donna Jo

I think you did make the right decision going with PHFHG, because CTC has a good deal of writing in it. I'm sorry I somehow missed that about your ds! I think PHFHG will ease him into writing more, and by CTC he'll be good to go. I like your idea very much of DIHTR 4/5 level books with 2/3 workbook. This will challenge him enough in his reading, but not overly frustrate him in the writing department.

You've got #8 books figured out correctly. They are for the Independent History Box in the daily plans. The Extension Package titles are scheduled as daily readings in the Appendix, and there are suggested follow-up activities to do within a rotation for those. I thought maybe this part of the Introduction would explain it better than me, so I copied and pasted it here in case it might be helpful:

Independent History Study
Daily independent history assignments are scheduled using real books that
correspond with the historical time periods being studied. These books are
contained in the Deluxe Package. This is an optional package, but it greatly
enhances the study of history. The Deluxe Package gives your child 12
incredible books to read independently, using the self-study plans in
Preparing Hearts for His Glory. Reading material is meant to be easy and
short enough for children to complete on their own. Complete listings and
book descriptions for these books can be found in the Appendix. These
books are sold as a set in the Deluxe Package, or individually, at
www.heartofdakota.com.

Oral narration, copywork, notebook entries, and Biblical connections round
out the independent readings. At this age, notebook entries are limited to
copying, tracing, and drawing from a model. Accuracy and attention to
authentic detail are encouraged. Entries are meant to be factual and to
provide a finished product that gives an overview of the history topics studied
throughout the year. Reminders are given for copywork to be done in
cursive.

Students need a place to store their notebook entries. Either use a 3-ring
binder with plastic page protectors or a bound sketchbook with unlined
pages. Students also need a Common Place Book for their copywork. A
Common Place Book is often a bound composition book with lined pages. It
provides a common place to copy anything that is timeless, memorable, or
worthy of rereading. It is for copying text and not for original writing. Bible
verses, classic poetry, and passages from excellent literature with beautiful or
vivid wording are often included. Students will add to the Common Place
Book throughout the year.

Independent History Study for Older Students
An Extension Package Schedule in the Appendix extends the area of history
to include more advanced reading material. This allows your older students
to learn along with your younger students. A schedule of daily independent
readings for these books is provided in the Appendix of Preparing Hearts for
His Glory. Books are at a mid-fifth to upper seventh grade reading level.
Complete listings and book descriptions for these books can be found in the
Appendix. These books are sold as a set in the Extension Package, or
individually, at www.heartofdakota.com. This package is an optional part of
Preparing Hearts for His Glory.

I guess if it were me and my ds needed some of the skills taught in the Independent History Box, or if I though it would thrill my ds to do those things and give him an awesome start in HOD, I'd do those. Or, if I thought my ds would love the reading challenge in the Extension package and was a very strong reader - easily reading mid-fifth to upper seventh grade reading level books - and I thought he'd do well independently with the rotation of follow-up activities, I'd do that. I hope something here helps!

In Christ,
Julie

[smithdonnajo]

Julie,
Thank you so much for your reply, putting your time into it! Yes, this helps to get confirmation that I am on the right track with him! (and with the idea of using DITHR 2/3 with 4/5 books! That was not my idea, another poster gave me that idea. I am thankful to her, but don't remember her name.) I'll have to put more thought into whether or not I will get the Extension pkg. I thought the Extension books were scheduled in the appendix, but I didn't know that assignments for those books were also in there, so that is great to know!

I think he will have plenty of challenges with the writing in Preparing and DITHR 2/3, and I don't want to frustrate him.... so..... I'll have to give more thought about getting the Extension books. He can read upper 5th - 7th grade level easily, the books look like wonderful, awesome books to me. I would love it if we can work through Preparing, then move on to the 4 yr cycle coming up, and be able to finish all by end of 8th grade, working year round with breaks scattered in, but we will see. So I have to keep that in mind.

One idea is, I will look ahead, and if some of the Deluxe assignments look too juvenile for him, then will substitute something from the Extension. I may even get his input on that, giving him a choice. Otherwise, we will just stick with the assignments scheduled for the Deluxe pkg. When my Preparing Guide comes in, I'll be able to know more about that.

Thanks for all you input! You have been more helpful than you will know. ]
Donna Jo

[smithdonnajo]

By the way, I may not have put all the info in the original post about him needing more practice in writing... so not your fault for not knowing that!

[kvmck]

Thank you for these posts, this is helping me even though we won't be starting preparing for a while, my son will be almost 11 when he starts. I was trying to figure out about the #8 and #9 books as well. There are books in both of these options that I'd like to use... does anyone ever switch back and forth between the deluxe books and extension package? Donna Jo, you mentioned the possiblity of doing that with your son, I was thinking I may try something like that but haven't thought about how that would actually work. So many good books..so little time

[my3sons]

Oh, I'm so glad some of that was helpful! I think that it may be tough to switch back and forth between the two, but you can see when you get it what you think would be best for your goals. I guess I'm kind of on the fence here. I know some ladies that have older dc doing PHFHG have gotten the Extension Package, and then just gotten maybe the "Draw and Write Through History" book and maybe a few others from the Deluxe package, that they couldn't bear for their dc to miss - and they've loved that. Other ladies with older dc doing PHFHG have just opted for the Deluxe Package (especially if it was their first year with HOD), and then gotten none/some/all of the Extension Package titles for their dc to read at their leisure - and they've loved that. Either way, I do think it would probably be best to just have dc do all of either the Deluxe or the Extension, for consistency purposes, and also for carryover in lessons - and then do whatever you wanted with the package you didn't choose - none of it, some or all of it for the purpose of independently being read and enjoyed. I agree that once you get your manual you'll probably know better. I did want to clarify that the Deluxe Package's independent assignments are more mapped out and explained in the daily plans. There are a handful of suggestions for response activities for the Extension Package's books at the beginning of the schedule of pages to for the students to read. So they differ in that way as well. HTH!

In Christ,
Julie

[smithdonnajo]

Thanks! I got my box yesterday and I've been looking over the guide. I do think it would be best to do it like Julie just posted, concerning #8 and #9. Now that I've seen the TG, I will stick with #8 Deluxe books for day to day and add in #9 Ext books for his independent reading for the books we are interested in. It was good to see the schedule in the appendix for #9 books includes some independent Bible readings that go along with the history for units 6-9.

Thanks!
Donna Jo

[my3sons]

Oh good, Donna Jo - I'm glad you got your things! Happy box day, BTW. It sounds like you have a good plan in place. PHFHG is such a good overview of history. We loved the Grandpa's Box/Chow combination. I think you're going to have a wonderful year with it! Have fun looking through your things.

In Christ,
Julie